Horseman, Pass By
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961
192
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1950s
1961
Adult
18+ years
Horseman, Pass By by Larry McMurtry is set in 1954 Texas and follows Lonnie Bannon, a young man living on his grandfather's cattle ranch. His grandfather, Homer, owns the ranch, while his cruel stepson, Hud, commits despicable acts that threaten their family's happiness. As Lonnie navigates life amidst these challenges, he confronts themes of mortality and rural life's harsh realities, paralleling William Butler Yeats' poem "Under Ben Bulben." The book includes sensitive topics such as sexual assault and racial discrimination.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Gritty
Contemplative
6,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Larry McMurtry's Horseman, Pass By is lauded for its vivid portrayal of Texan life and its rich character development, particularly that of young protagonist, Lonnie. Critics appreciate McMurtry's evocative prose and the authentic depiction of the struggles within a cattle ranching family. Some reviewers, however, note a slow narrative pace and sparse dialogue as potential drawbacks. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and regional authenticity.
A reader who appreciates rustic, heartfelt narratives set in the American West will enjoy Horseman, Pass By by Larry McMurtry. Fans of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men and Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men will find this coming-of-age story rich in atmospheric detail and complex characters.
6,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Texas • 1950s
1961
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!